The
Southdown Railway Company runs a dual gauge exhibition layout,
generally known as "Southdown", with operational support from the
South Hampshire 16mm & G Scale Railway Group. The layout visits locations
throughout England during the whole year. See here for
the programme of events for the future showings.
The layout is laid with twin running tracks, the outer circuit being 45mm gauge, the inner 32mm gauge. No particular prototype location is intended, the layout being more to serve as a display for the members locomotives and stock. The background scenery has developed however into distinct regions, from American logging country through Welsh Highland to European flavours.
Hand
painted backboards of the highest quality are made by our own Bob Petch, and
they separate the marshalling area from the public gaze via a tunnel at each
end. Behind the scenes, a loop line is provided alongside the running line that
is used to dispose of a train at the end of its run, then to marshal and prepare
the next, ready for its turn. The 45mm line has an additional steaming bay with
removable
drip trays beneath.
When on exhibition duty, the aim is to keep one train running on each line at all times, thus the viewing public are entertained. By staggering the changeovers, a variety of trains are presented and each loco and train usually manages a 30 minute run. This effort is noted by a constant hive of activity in the centre operating well, with the two trains running plus either the next being prepared, or the last being disposed. Staff who are not involved in these operations are usually to be found outside of the layout, ready to answer questions and advise the viewers. It is surprising how many times the workings of the engines has to be expained.
The
layout has several featurettes along the public side. On leaving the tunnel at
the American end, the first scene we come to is the Woodcutters. Two men are
ably handling a large woodsaw, back and forth goes the saw, all day and
everyday, however the pile of sawn logs never seems to get any bigger!
We
pass farmers in their fields making hay, and on to Lovedean station,
occasionally with famous visitors, and fitted with period lighting and
appropriate posters. The gardens are neatly kept, flowers tidily arranged and
many parcels are waiting for the next train.
There
is the Loco Works Department, complete with a fully furnished loco shed, a
glowing brazier and someone repairing a slate wagon with an electric welding
kit. He must work for the same company as the woodcutters though, because he has
used umpteen welding rods but never finished a wagon yet.
Moving
along, past the coal yard, we get to the Blacksmith and his forge, the man
himself pumping away at his glowing embers, the clanging of his hammer
distinctly ringing out over the noise of the roaring furnace.
New
for 2004 is the Road Gang. No doubt they'll be digging a while here.... that
bloke with the drill is gonna have to hold tight.
Before
we cross the river with its fisherman and boats, we pass the cafe at Tally Halt
"Squidget's Snacks" where the birds are tweeting and singing whilst the waters
flow steadily downstream. It's a peaceful scene, but with some rather colourful
characters about....
Over the bridge and the train plunges into the darkness of the hillside tunnel, never to be seen again, until, of course, it comes round again!
Click here to see some of the Motive Power to be seen on Southdown